The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 1, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 February 1988 — Page 62
PROGRESS EDITION—Wed., February 17,1988
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The Sleepy Owl is a 'fun' place to dine
The present owners of the Sleepy Owl restaurant, Mike and Darlene Calobrace, have a post card which reads, “Greetings from the Sleepy Owl.” It was sent in 1939 to Mrs. Edith Mock from Gladys Dalke, who is believed to have owned the establishment at one time. Nearly half a century and several ownerships later, the Sleepy Owl sign is still located at its original location on SR 13 at the south edge of Syracuse. When the Calobraces purchased the restaurant 10 years ago, they made several changes to spruce up the building without hampering the friendly, relaxed atmosphere that customers have long appreciated. The entire building was remodelled again, inside and out, in early 1987. “Ibe Owl” can now seat 120 for dinner in both the main dining room and the cozy family room. Mike Calobrace said he has heard rumors that back in the “old days” the Sleepy Owl may have been a roadhouse with slot machines and other gambling devices in the basement. The only remaining evidence to support such rumors is the mosaic tiles he has found in the basement floor. Today, the Calobraces have turned the Sleepy Owl into a place where families may go for casual dining. Since their restaurant is inta summer resort area, they want their
Barth Corporation in 25th year
For the Barth Corporation, 1988 is a very special year. The Milford recreational vehicle company is in its 25th year of business, and has made plans to celebrate the occasion. To commemorate the anniversary, President Mike Umbaugh said a special — but yet to be announced — celebration will be held in the summer. In addition, a 38-foot deluxe “Silver Anniversary” recreational vehicle will be promoted throughout the year. Barth Inc. was formed in 1963 by Elkhart native Robert Barth. In 1968 the business was sold to Umbaugh, who has successfully guided the firm over the past 20 years. Barth Recreational Vehicles, long known for their quality craftsmanship, have been described as “the cream of the crop,” “motorized land yachts,” or as people in the RV industry say, “the ‘Cadillac’ of recreational vehicles.” Both motor homes and specialty vehicles range between 22 and 40 feet long, and all units are manufactured in Barth’s 100,000 square foot factory in Milford. Barth’s 150 employees are all experienced at their jobs, as turnover at the company is
Syracuse-Wawasee Retail Merchants have much to offer the Lakeland area
Studies made by the state government in Indianapolis show that the biggest growth that Kosciusko County will see in the upcoming years will take place in the corridor between Syracuse and Warsaw. And that, said Syracuse Retail Merchants Treasurer Jeanne Gardiner, is exciting. One of the major issues that the Retail Merchants will face this year is the fact that growth is coming. “We need to pull together to let people know we are here,” said Gardiner. “We need to sell the entire package of stores instead of just one. The amazing thing is that you can get everything you need here in Syracuse; there is no need to go elsewhere to a mail.** To increase community awareness of what local stores have to offer, the Retail Merchants have a number of activities planned for 1988. During the fourth of July weekend celebration, the merchants usually hold a fund-raising event. This year, the event promises to be good, as it will also be held in conjunction with “Hoosier Celebration ’88” and the Chamber of Commerce sponsored Flotilla on Lake Wawasee. The month of August will find Syracuse sidewalks full of activity, as merchants will take their goods outside for “Sidewalk Days.” The specific week for shopping in the sun has yet to be determined. However, based on last year, “Sidewalk Days” will probably be held Aug. 18-20.
guests to feel comfortable as they dine in tennis togs and other summer outfits as well as in more dressy clothes. During their ownership, the Calobraces have experienced an increase in business year after year. This is because the quality of Sleepy Owl food has remained high. Guests continue to enjoy house favorites such as prime rib; seafood, including lobster and Alaskan king crab legs; steak; pizza; barbecued ribs; and the ever-popular onion tines. The restaurant is open seven days a week in the summer months and reservations are accepted all year long. The family room, where the children can be seated, is also available for group dinners of up to 30 people. On the off-season, both dining rooms may be reserved for larger special parties. A fitting motto for this charming restaurant is “Where Friends Meet.” One of the memorable celebration days at the Sleepy Owl each year is Dingus Day, which will be on April 4 this year. Dining hours at the Sleepy Owl are 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the restaurant remains open until 11 p.m. New at the restaurant is Sunday dining. The Sleepy Owl opens on that day at 3 p.m. and closes at 9 p.m.
very little. For example, together, the nine foremen and plant supervisory staff have a combined 250 years of recreational vehicle manufacturing experience. Umbaugh said turnover has remained low because the work requires skilled laborers, and fair wages and good benefits have kept the laborers at Barth. Barths amazing success in an unpredictable business is attributed to the diverse market that they reach. On one hand, Barth manufactures luxury motor homes. On the other hand, Barth also builds specialized vehicles. One custom unit recently sold was purchased by singer Paul Simon, who then donated it to the New York Children’s Health Project. Another Barth vehicle was ordered by the South Korean government, and has been converted to be used as a television production van for the 1988 Summer Olympics. With the foreign market growing each year, and with domestic sales expected to rise, Umbaugh believes this silver anniversary year will be even better for Barth than last year.
Rounding out the year, “Halloween Madness” will be back with merchants dressed in costumes, a parade and costume judging contest, and some specials to be found at various stores. Soon-after, Santa Claus will return to Syracuse to greet girls and boys, and the merchants will begin a new window decorating competition. And, rest assured Christmas shoppers, Christmas coupons will return. In addition, the Retail Merchants have already sponsored two events this year: the Winter Carnival in January and the just concluded “Cabin Fever” specials. Despite all of the planned events and the . successes that the events have had in the past, Retail Merchants President Donna Conder would like to see members working closer together. She cited the fact that only the officers and the media were at the last monthly meeting. She said the meetings are intended for all members, to air their complaints or add their input. “I would like to see more people participating,” Condo* said. “I would like for7 all merchants to work together, to bring more business into the town of Syracuse.” However, Conder said most of the merchants do participate in Retail Merchant sponsored events. She added that although this is an election year, with the projected rise in growth for Kosciusko County, 1988 should be very good Syracuse retail merchants.